United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Monday said challenges such as maintaining "political unity and social stability" under complex circumstances, breaking through the bottleneck of a single-industry structure, and creating a more favorable external environment are important issues that need to be addressed in Bangladesh’s governance journey. Speaking at a joint training programme, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s people-centered, pragmatic, and efficient governing style has brought a fresh look to national governance. The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) hosted the joint training programme titled "2026 Comparative Governance Forum" at the BIISS Auditorium. Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir spoke as the chief guest while Vice-President of Fudan University Prof Chen Zhimin attended the opening ceremony of the joint training programme as special guest.

Families across Bangladesh are being pushed into debt as they struggle to cover the hidden costs of measles treatment, according to a joint assessment by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Nearly nine in 10 measles affected families (89 per cent) reported borrowing money to pay for treatment, while six in 10 (61 per cent) exhausted their savings, said a media statement on Monday. Every family surveyed reported needing financial support. 35 per cent identified medicines as their highest priority, followed by water, sanitation and hygiene support (33 per cent) and food assistance (22 per cent). It also showed, around 4 per cent of families sold their assets and 3 per used donation. The assessment, conducted among 2,746 measles-affected families receiving treatment at 12 government medical colleges and district hospitals across Bangladesh, found that the financial burden of the surge extended far beyond medical care. Seventy-five pe cents of the families’ patients age level were within 4 years; 5-17 years were 19 per cent and over 18 years; was 6 per cent. The assessment was undertaken to identify 2,400 of the most vulnerable families for emergency cash assistance (BDT 10,000 for each family) and assess the socio-economic impact of the measles surge. A total of 2,746 affected households were assessed against agreed vulnerability criteria, from which 2,400 households were selected to receive assistance. Findings show that affected families spent on average 16,000 on treatment and related expenses. Many caregivers also reported losing income or even their jobs, after staying in hospitals for extended periods to care for sick children or family members. Hazera Khatun travelled to Dhaka from Rangpur with her 11-month-old daughter, who is receiving treatment at Shahid Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. The family has already spent more than BDT 70,000. “Treatment at the government hospital is free, but many other costs are not covered,’ she said. ‘We spent nearly BDT 20,000 just to reach Dhaka by ambulance. Every day we buy food, pay for medical tests, and cover other daily expenses. I have already borrowed money from my relatives. My husband work is working in Saudi Arabia, but he has not received his salary this month, making it even harder for us.” Among families that reported their occupation, 78 per cent relied on informal employment, earning between BDT 6,000 and BDT 20,000 per month, leaving them particularly vulnerable to income loss during prolonged illness. Dr. Kabir M. Ashraf Alam ndc, Secretary General of the BDRCS said, “The assessment shows that many families are facing not only a health emergency but also a severe financial strain. Through our emergency response, we are supporting the most vulnerable families with cash assistance while continuing community awareness activities.” Alberto Bocanegra, Head of Delegation of IFRC in Bangladesh, said the effects of this measles health emergency do not end at the hospital door, as families often face difficult financial limitations while caring for sick children and or other family members, and these findings demonstrate why humanitarian assistance and strong social protection systems are both essential during public health emergencies. “It is essential for us to base our actions on data evidence,” Alberto Bocanegra said. With support from the IFRC and partners, BDRCS supported the Government of Bangladesh's nationwide measles vaccination campaign. The organisation also mobilised over 1,000 Red Crescent volunteers to conduct community awareness activities, support vaccination centres, risk communication and social activities to encourage vaccination and early healthcare seeking.

Two more children have died with measles symptoms in Sylhet Division in the 24 hours until this morning, raising the total confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 116, the Divisional Health Department said on Monday. The two six-month-old children, Rezwan Ahmed and Ibrahim, died at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. One was from Jagannathpur upazila and the other from Sunamganj Sadar upazila in Sunamganj district. Meanwhile, 93 new patients with measles symptoms or suspected measles were admitted to hospitals across the division during the same period. Of them, 45 were admitted to Shaheed Shamsuddin Ahmed Hospital, 37 to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, seven to Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital, two to Ragib-Rabeya Medical College Hospital and two to North East Medical College Hospital. Currently, 254 patients with suspected measles are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the division. According to the latest report of the Divisional Health Department, 116 people have died from confirmed or suspected measles so far this year. Of them, six were confirmed measles cases, while 110 died with suspected measles. Since January 1, a total of 706 confirmed measles cases have been recorded in Sylhet Division.

All officials and employees of Kashimpur Union Land Office have been suspended after finding prima facie evidence of various irregularities during a sudden inspection. Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan on Monday said the action was taken after the inspection revealed initial evidence of misconduct in the office. The suspended officials and employees are Acting Union Land Assistant Officer Wazed Ali Khan, Office Assistant Mostafa Kamal, Shafiqul Islam Khan and Abdul Halim. During the morning visit, the DC inspected the Kashimpur Union Land Office and spoke to both the land office staff and people who came to receive services. After reviewing the situation and finding preliminary evidence of various irregularities, he ordered the suspension of all four officials and employees. Following the inspection, the DC left for another surprise inspection at the Shafipur Land Office.

Police have filed a case against 25 named and 20-25 unidentified people over a protest procession allegedly organised under the banner of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (now facing a ban on its activities) and the circulation of its photos and videos on social media. Jalalabad Police Station Sub-Inspector Abdul Mukit filed the case on Sunday afternoon under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Md Manjurul Alam said police filed the case over the procession. According to police, around 20 to 25 people brought out the procession under the banner of "Sadar Upazila Chhatra League" in the Temukhi area of Sylhet Sadar upazila on Saturday morning. Videos of the procession later circulated widely on social media, showing participants chanting political slogans and demanding the withdrawal of the case filed against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Police said 25 people were named in the case, while another 20 to 25 unidentified individuals were also made accused. Meanwhile, Former Sylhet Sadar Upazila Chhatra League President Mohammad Ali Safat posted photographs of the procession on his personal Facebook account. In the post, he said the procession was organised to demand the withdrawal of "false and fabricated" cases against Sheikh Hasina. Police said further legal proceedings in the case are underway.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday sought people's cooperation in keeping Bangladesh clean and protecting the environment, urging everyone to refrain from littering and dispose of waste responsibly to help build a cleaner and better more liveable country for future generations. In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page, the Prime Minister said protecting the environment is not solely the government's responsibility but a shared duty of every citizen. “If each of us becomes more conscious from today and disposes of our waste in designated places properly instead of throwing it indiscriminately, we can gradually make Bangladesh free of waste and build a beautiful environment,” he said. Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh belongs to all its people and stressed that if everyone makes even a small contribution, the country would be able to achieve significant progress together. "I seek your cooperation. Let us all work together to keep our country clean and beautiful. Let each of us do our part to protect and preserve a clean environment that will ensure a healthier, more liveable country for future generations,” Tarique Rahman said. He said environmental cleanliness is an issue that touches people from all walks of life, as everyone is affected by the condition of their surroundings. The Prime Minister noted that litter has become a common sight in cities, towns and even many villages, particularly in busy public places, unlike the situation three or four decades ago. He also mentioned used tissues, snack packets, plastic bottles, cooking oil containers and other discarded items as examples of waste that are often thrown indiscriminately along roadsides, around markets and in residential areas. Tarique Rahman urged people to imagine how unpleasant it would be if their own homes were left scattered with rubbish in the same way. Quoting a well-known line about Bangladesh's natural beauty, he said there is no reason why the country's surroundings cannot be kept clean and attractive through public awareness and responsible behaviour. The Prime Minister said most people in Bangladesh travel on foot, by rickshaw or by bus, and piles of waste and foul smells create unnecessary hardship for them. He said proper disposal of waste at designated places would not only improve the environment but also make public spaces cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone. Referring to his recent visits across the country, Tarique Rahman said he had seen ponds filled with rubbish or waste dumped along their banks, although such places were once used by families and neighbours as gathering spots. He also pointed to parks in Dhaka and other districts, saying that while cleaners often keep them tidy, many visitors leave behind food wrappers and other waste after spending time there. The Prime Minister also expressed concern that many recreational areas have lost their appeal because of indiscriminate dumping of waste "If we leave a place clean after using it, those who come after us will also be able to enjoy a clean and pleasant environment," he said. Tarique called upon the country’s people to develop the habit of placing waste in designated bins or collection points and disposing of it properly.

Emphasising the growing importance of regional connectivity, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir on Monday said investments in transport infrastructure, aviation and digital networks are key drivers of economic growth and stronger people-to-people contacts. "Bangladesh's strategic location provides significant opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity and expand cooperation in trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchanges," he said, noting that Bangladesh welcome greater collaboration with China and other international partners in advancing sustainable infrastructure, aviation, tourism and innovation for the benefit of the peoples. The Adviser stressed that future prosperity will depend not only on economic success but also on the quality of institutions, social resilience and international cooperation. The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) hosted the joint training programme titled "2026 Comparative Governance Forum" at the BIISS Auditorium. Vice-President of Fudan University Prof Chen Zhimin and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the opening ceremony of the joint training programme as special guests. Director General of BIISS Major General Ridwanur Rahman also spoke. "The countries of the Global South are becoming increasingly influential in shaping global governance and sustainable development," Kobir said while speaking as the chief guest. He said Bangladesh believes the international system must be more inclusive, rules-based and responsive to the aspirations of all nations. "We support multilateralism, peaceful dialogue and international cooperation as the most effective means of addressing common global challenges." The Adviser said lasting progress is achieved when nations invest in knowledge, trust and partnerships built on mutual respect. "Economic growth creates prosperity, but wisdom, cooperation and mutual understanding are what ultimately secure peace and sustainable development," he said. The Adviser underscored the importance of deepening Bangladesh-China cooperation through knowledge sharing, dialogue and mutual learning, saying stronger partnerships are essential to addressing increasingly complex global challenges. He said the initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening academic and institutional cooperation. "I would like to acknowledge the valuable support of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and all our partner institutions. This forum reflects our shared belief that dialogue, knowledge and mutual learning remain indispensable in addressing the increasingly complex challenges of our time," he said. The Adviser said Bangladesh has much to learn from China's development experience while also sharing its own strengths in public policy and governance. "Comparative governance calls for a comparative perspective on the governance systems of both countries. We can learn tremendously from the People's Republic of China. At the same time, there are areas where Bangladesh has performed well, and we should continue to build on those achievements," he said. Describing China as one of the world's most remarkable development success stories, the adviser noted that the country has lifted around 800 million people out of extreme poverty over the past four decades through sustained reforms and economic transformation. "China is a tremendous example of development over the last four decades. It has lifted nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty through one of the most successful poverty alleviation programmes in history and has implemented major market reforms that have transformed its economy," he said. At the same time, Kobir said Bangladesh has earned international recognition in several important areas, particularly disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. "Bangladesh has become internationally recognised for reducing disaster risks and protecting lives. However, climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions. We must continue to advocate for stronger multilateral cooperation, enhanced climate finance, technology transfer and greater support for vulnerable developing countries," he said. Expressing optimism about the programme, he said the discussions over the coming days would generate new ideas, strengthen academic and institutional cooperation and further reinforce the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and China. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said challenges such as maintaining "political unity and social stability" under complex circumstances, breaking through the bottleneck of a single-industry structure, and creating a more favorable external environment are important issues that need to be addressed in Bangladesh’s governance journey. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s people-centered, pragmatic, and efficient governing style has brought a fresh look to national governance. The envoy said President Xi Jinping emphasised that no matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour or and good partner of Bangladesh. "This historic height has laid a solid foundation for the next “Golden Fifty Years” of China-Bangladesh relations," Ambassador Yao said. The Ambassador said both sides agreed to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and further align development strategies. "Important consensus was reached on comprehensive management of the Teesta River, modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port facilities, and advancing the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor," he said. The envoy said Bangladesh-China practical cooperation is steadily moving toward one with more optimised structure, broader scope, and at a higher level. Exchanges on governance are an integral part of building a Bangladesh-China community with a shared future in the new era, he said. Since taking office, Ambassador Yao said the new government has adhered to a development-oriented approach, focusing on improving people’s livelihoods. In June, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid an official visit to China. The leaders of the two countries jointly agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to jointly build a Bangladesh-China community with a shared future in the new era. They also agreed to strengthen exchanges on governance experience. "The visit was a complete success and marked a milestone in bilateral relations," said Ambassador Yao. "Building a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era signifies that our relationship has transcended existing frameworks of cooperation and ascended to a new strategic height, with mutual trust, shared interests, and solidarity," he added. The courses cover topics including the Chinese practice of modernising the national governance system and capacity, the four major global initiatives, and the Global South. The courses have three features - a strong emphasis on practice; a strong emphasis on the spirit of the times and a strong emphasis on mutual learning. The Ambassador said exchanges on governance are precisely an important vehicle for Bangladesh and China to connect heart to heart. He hoped that during this forum, each participant will learn with reflection​ - deeply consider the underlying logic behind Chinese Modernization, and in light of Bangladesh’s national conditions, explore a development path suited to Bangladesh. "Learn with gains​ - acquire policy tools and practical methods in areas such as national governance, poverty reduction, and digital governance, contributing to Bangladesh’s economic and social development," Ambassador Yao said. "Learn with action​ - translate what you have learned into concrete actions to modernize Bangladesh’s governance system and capacity, and become inheritors and builders of China-Bangladesh friendship," he said, wishing the Comparative Governance Forum a complete success.

A madrasa student died after being electrocuted while attempting to repair an electric kettle at his father's tea stall in Kalia upazila of Narail on Monday morning. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Tanvir, 15, son of Md Azgar Sheikh of Benda village in the upazila. The incident occurred around 8:00 am at a tea stall in Benda village under Kalia municipality. Locals said Tanvir, an eighth-grade student, had gone to help his father at the tea stall and was preparing tea using an electric kettle. When the kettle developed a fault, he attempted to repair it and was electrocuted. Locals rescued him and rushed him to Kalia Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Md Idris Ali, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalia Police Station, said necessary legal procedures were underway.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions in the next 24 hours from 9:00am on Monday. Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions, it said in a bulletin. Chattogram’s Kutubdia recorded the highest rainfall in the country, with 81mm in the 24 hours until 6:00am on Monday. Day and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The axis of monsoon troughs runs through Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across northern part of Bangladesh. The BMD said the monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over the North Bay.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of smuggled Indian sarees and mobile phone displays worth an estimated Tk 11.5 million in separate drives in Cumilla and Feni early Sunday. According to a press release issued by Cumilla Battalion (10 BGB), the seizures were made during separate anti-smuggling operations conducted by special patrol teams of the Shiber Bazar Border Outpost (BOP) in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla and the Gitabaria BOP in Feni Sadar upazila. The operations were carried out around 4:30 am and 5:30 am as part of BGB's regular campaign to prevent smuggling and curb cross-border crimes. During the drives, BGB personnel recovered a large quantity of ownerless Indian sarees from Chouara Bazar, about five kilometres inside Bangladesh from the border, and mobile phone displays from the Uttar Betiyara area, around 300 yards inside the border. The total estimated market value of the seized goods is about Tk 11.5 million, the release said. The confiscated items will be handed over to the customs authorities in accordance with the law. BGB said its operations against smuggling and cross-border crimes along the frontier will continue.